Commenter:
Dawn Espelage, Roanoke County Department of Social Services
proposed provider regulations
Although the proposed Resource, Foster and Adoptive Family Home Approval Standards strengthen training and approval practices, I would suggest some revisions and/or clarification in the following areas:
22VAC40-211-20. Approval of provider homes, Part A – The approved provider shall, however, be allowed to choose to provide only foster care or adoption services should they not wish to serve as a resource family.
Does this statement require that adoption services only must be offered to those who request it? There are local departments that do not have the resources for these services and refer these families to private agencies.
22VAC40-211-70. Standards for the home of the provider – This section no longer provides guidance as to square footage that would be considered adequate space nor information regarding children of the opposite sex sharing a bedroom.
22VAC40-211-90. Allowing a variance – There are no provisions in these standards that allow for emergency or provisional approval.
22VAC40-211-100. Monitoring and re-approval of providers – Are quarterly visits required of all homes by a department representative or just those that have placement?
